There\\\\\\\'s nothing like gospel music. Born of struggle, fueled by faith and driven by a desire to see love come to this world of pain, gospel music has the unique power to reach into the depths of despair and darkness and lift people up to the absolute heights of glory. Though clearly a product of the church, gospel music\\\\\\\'s influence has never been constrained to the sanctuary or pew. In the early 20th century hymn-like lyrics of faith and inspiration were blended with the infectious melodic and rhythmic elements of blues and jazz (genres that owed a significant debt to the stylistic essence of even earlier spirituals,) and gospel music was born. The resulting sound inspired the faithful and the prodigal, often over the objections of disapproving religious leaders of the day. As the music of the culture progressed and evolved, so did gospel. In fact, gospel music created an essential bridge between cultures, offering explosive results in the form of rock and roll, country and rhythm and blues. From the early days of the quartets to the era of the big choirs and straight through to the contemporary gospel of artists like Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary, gospel music has pushed boundaries and shined a beacon to artists and songwriters of all races and nationalities. From rock icon Eric Clapton\\\\\\\'s "Presence of the Lord," to R&B legend Stevie Wonder\\\\\\\'s "Higher Ground," (both included in this collection,) the sound and soul of gospel has been eternally and inextricably infused into the bloodstream of American music.In 1968 The Edwin Hawkins Singers scored a major pop hit with a rousing R&B flavored single called "Oh Happy Day." The song dominated multiple radio formats and would go on to become the first RIAA certified Gold Record in gospel music history. Featured on mainstream radio alongside other pop, rock and R&B hits of the day, "Oh Happy Day" reflected a new era of cross pollination between the Church and the world of popular music. Now, forty years later, "Oh Happy Day," and other classic songs from hard-core gospel to feel-good pop are gathered together and celebrated by multiple generations of gospel music fans and practitioners, blurring all lines and celebrating the spirit of the songs. This special collection of brand new recordings of inspired pop and gospel favorites by artists of multiple racial, denominational and stylistic backgrounds simultaneously celebrates gospel\\\\\\\'s roots, shines a light on its influence on the music of today, and points a faithful finger towards a future of continued and expanded influence on contemporary culture. Set your preconceptions aside and revel in the glorious diversity of Oh Happy Day.
A Prayer When a Situation Seems Impossible - Your Daily Prayer - April 24
My wife has recently painted these words on a wall in our house as a reminder to us both: “Mightier than the waves of the sea, is His love for us!” (Inspired by Psalm 93:4). Please remember this. Mightier than the tempest you are facing is His love for you!